Fantastic Caverns 7/5/2013

This is one of the places I highlighted on the map that I had to go to on my Route 66 journey -- Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, Missouri. It's the only ride-through cave in America, and it was well worth the stop. The cave was discovered in 1862 by an Ozarks farmer and his dog, so dogs are allowed on the tour! Our guide said the caverns were used for just about everything over the years, from a hiding place for Civil War soldiers, to an entertainment venue where bands used to play for audiences, to a moonshine-producing hideout. Today, Fantastic Caverns attracts thousands of visitors to show off the amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations created by Mother Nature. The cave is 100-feet underground, and the Jeep-drawn trams take you about a half-mile deep into the caverns for some breathtaking views during the hour-long tour. And Mu Shu came in handy because families with dogs get to sit up front in the Jeep. Good dog!